Balenciaga Creative Director Nicolas Ghesquière Exits

Nicolas Ghesquière and Balenciaga are parting ways after 15 years. The creative director and the French house announced “the joint decision” this morning, and his last day will be November 30th. “Thank you Nicolas for bringing back all Cristobal Balenciaga’s values and creativity,” the house posted on its Facebook page today. François-Henri Pinault, the CEO of PPR, which owns Balenciaga, agreed in his official statement: “Cristóbal Balenciaga was a master, a genius whose avant-garde vision dictated fashion’s greatest trends and inspired generations of designers. With an incomparable creative talent, Nicolas has brought to Balenciaga an artistic contribution essential to the unique influence of the house.” Ghesquière joined the house in 1997 at 25 years old, and ever since has pushed Balenciaga to what it is today—a brand fronted by Kristen Stewart, worn by countless celebrities, and stocked at all of the major luxury retailers. He also memorably delivered one of the most popular “it” accessories, the Lariat bag, which still is, and always will be, a must-have. We can’t wait to see where Ghesquière goes next—and also who will fill his big shoes!